Core threading apparatus



g- 22, 1 G. E. BOSLER ETAL 3,336,650

CORE THREADING APPARATUS Filed July 17, 1962 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 I .7 J I 20 VENTORS Gerald E fiosler, f/Jillian? Gra/z am Aug. 22, 1967 Filed July 17, 1962 G. E. BOSLER ETAL CORE THREADING APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 g- 2, 1967, G. E. BOSLER ETAL 3,336,650

CORE THREADING APPARATUS Filed July 17, 1962 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 J3 L 5 W/FPE cg START 305 J5 END 614/ O O O I sum/vs ours/05 LOOP J8 Q J Q q o o o 0 5 Q O 0 q J9 J2 WIRE 2 START 202 o o o J o o END 6A6 1J6 5 TURNS OUTS/DE LOOP so 92 o o o o Q 0 C! O 0 3 a/ a2 33 37-38 J@ F 5 E /g 24 25 a4 33 v 6 TURNS Aug. 22, 1967 G. E. BOSLER ETAL CORE THREADING APPARATUS 6Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed July 17, 1962 Aug. 22, 1967 G. E. BOSLER ETAL 3,335,650

' CORE THREADING APPARATUS Filed July 17, 1962 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 WIRE 67 k5 Ea? 74kg" INVENTO Gerald I Easier, W/zZ/[am flGra/fiam (3 ea]? F. 72117 20 a /4, KM M J align? United States Patet 3,336,650 Patented Aug. 22, 1967 3,336,650 GORE THREADING APPARATUS Gerald E. Bosler, William H. Graham, and Dean R.

Trump, Galion, Ohio, assignors to North Electric Comparry, Gallon, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Filed July 17, 1962, Ser. No. 210,423 6 Claims. (Cl. 29-203) The present invention relates to the threading or stringing of annular members in desired order and sequence, and more particularly to an apparatus for threading circuit-defining wires through memory cores for use in computers or the like.

The threading or stringing of annular members on wires or the like in a desired sequence, especially when a number of threading paths are required, as in assembling memory core circuit components for electronic computers, presents a difiicult problem. The annular cores must-be supported in a compact arrangement with each core readily accessible and the core apertures unobstructed for facilitating the threading or stringing operation. At the same time, the number of cores to be included in a particular core circuit assembly and the manner or sequence in which the wire, or several runs or loops of a wire, is or are to be passed through the several cores that is, the wire path through the coresmust be indicated in a simple, easily followed, and convenient manner. It is important that the apparatus be quickly and easily set up for a particular threading operation, and as readily changed for a different threading operation. The operator is thus enabled quickly to carry out the required core threading to produce the various core circuit assemblies. Obviously, it is important to eliminate the possibility of error, so far as possible, and at the same time to provide for the greatest possible speed so that a high rate of production may be maintained. The present invention provides means and method achieving the foregoing desiderata to the greatest possible degree.

It is an object of the invention to provide for the expeditious threading of a number of annular members in predetermined sequence or sequences, as in the provision of computer core circuit assemblies.

Another object is the provision of an apparatus by which different core circuit assemblies or like assemblies of annular members threaded on wires or the like in a particular arrangement may readily be produced.

Another object is the provision of an apparatus for the threading of annular members in a desired sequence, such as in memory core circuits for electronic computers, which may easily and quickly be changed to provide for different threading sequences and arrangements.

A further object of the invention is the provision of apparatus for the threading of annular members on wires or the like providing readily understood and followed indication of the number and locations of the members to be threaded and of the order or sequence in which the members are to be threaded.

Still another object is the provision of an apparatus for threading or stringing wires or the like through a plurality of annular members which includes indicating the number and arrangement of such members and the path or paths of the threading element through the members.

Another object is the minimization of errors in the threading of wires or the like in a predetermined pattern through annular members such as memory cores of electronic computers, and the achievement of a rapid rate of such threading.

Other and further objects, advantages and features of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of one form of apparatus according to the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary plan view on an enlarged scale of the apparatus shown in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a view illustrating a terminal block supporting plate and a representative core circuit assembly produced by application of the invention;

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary side elevational view of theh apparatus as shown in FIGURE 2, taken from the rig t;

FIGURE 5 is a plan view on an enlarged scale of one of the mask and indicia-carrying members shown in FIG- URE 1;

FIGURE 6 is a view similar to FIGURE 5 of another mask and indicia member;

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged front elevational view of one of the core holders with the core-clamping clip removed;

FIGURE 8 is a side elevational view of the core holder of FIGURE 7;

FIGURE 9 is an enlarged view of the holder mounted in the apparatus, taken substantially as indicated by the section line 99 in FIGURE 2, with a core supported thereby in threadable condition;

FIGURE 10 is a sectional View taken substantially as indicated by the line 10-10 in FIGURE 9;

FIGURE 11 is a fragmentary plan view of another form of apparatus according to the invention;

FIGURE 12 is a somewhat enlarged sectional view taken substantially as indicated by the line 1212 in FIGURE 11, holders;

FIGURE 13 is a view similar to FIGURES 9 and 12 showing a modified form of the apparatus including a modified form of holder; and

FIGURE 14 is a plan view of the holder shown in FIGURE 13.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown in FIGURE 1 a hollow upstanding support 15 which has an inclined front portion as indicated at 16, through which is visible the light from illuminating means 17 within the support, such as an incandescent lamp or lamps, or a fluorescent tube as illustrated. Disposed in overlying relation to the front 16 of the support is a core-supporting base generally indicated as 18, in this case comprising a pair of rectangular metal base plates, an upper plate 19, and a lower plate 20. In the instant case, the plate 19 is longer and narrower than the plate 20. Each of these plates, as appears best from FIGURE 4, has a downturned flange extending about three sides or edges, the fourth edge, in this case the right-hand edge as viewed in FIGURES 1 and 2, being unflanged. The flanges 21 serve as means for mounting the base 18 on the support 15, the flanges along the lower edge of the upper plate 19 and the upper edge of the lower plate 20 also serving, by means of bolts or similar means (not shown) passed therethrough, to secure the plates together. Each of the plates 19 and 20 has a number of elongated horizontally extending parallel slots 22, the upper plate having six such slots and the lower plate five. The slots in the lower plate 20 are of somewhat greater length than those in the upper plate 19, as more fully explained hereinafter. A number of apertures 23, in this case shown as vertically elongated slots, are provided in equally spaced relation along the length of each slot 22 and adjacent thereto, as best shown in FIGURES 1 and 2. These slots 23 transmit light from the illuminating means 17.

Projecting through the slots 22 for mounting on the base are a plurality of holders generally designated 24 for annular cores C, each holder comprising a fixed or illustrating the mounting of one of the core stationary portion 25 and a removable resilient clip or snap-on portion 26 cooperable with the stationary portion to mount a core in secure and unobstructed relation in the holder. Each holder 24 has a lower portion of substantially square section of a size to fit easily through a slot 22, and having projections 27 extending from two opposed sides or faces thereof to engage against the undersurface of the base adjacent the longitudinal edges of the slot to limit the upward projection of the holder through and above the base. As best shown in FIGURES 7 to 10 inclusive, the upper portion of the stationary holder part is provided with recesses in the same faces which have the projections 27 thereon, to define a pair of overhanging shoulders 28 in each of which is formed a groove 29. A groove extends upwardly from each of the recesses in the opposed faces of the holder portion 25 through the top of the holder portion, centrally of each shoulder 28 and dividing each shoulder and its groove 29 into two parts. In the top of the holder portion 25 is a notch or slot 31, narrower than the vertical grooves 30 and extending therebetween. The width of the notch 31 corresponds to the thickness or axial dimension of a core C, as will be evident from FIGURE 10. The top of the holder portion 25 is generally pyramidal, with surfaces converging toward the center from the four sides of the portion 25. Preferably the two surfaces thereof extending from the two unrecessed sides of the portion 25 are somewhat dished or scooped in configuration, as indicated at 32, to guide and facilitate threading of the core supported in the holder. At each side of the notch 31, in the top of the holder portion 25, is provided an arcuate recess 33, having a smaller radius than the radius of the aperture of the core C. The lowest point of the recess is spaced from the bottom of the notch 31 by a distance greater than the width of the core C, that is, greater than the difference between the inner and outer diameters of the core. An undercut groove or channel 34, illustrated as of T-shape, is formed in the bottom of the holder portion 25 extending between the two sides on which the projections 27 are formed.

Each clip or snap-on portion 26 of the core holder 24, as best shown in FIGURES 9 and 10, is of general U- shape, having a pair of arms 35 extending from a connecting bight portion 36 which is of channel cross section deeper than the width of the core, and of a width corresponding to that of the notch 31. The channel section is defined by flanges 37, the edges of which at the bight portion extend through an arc formed on substantially the same radius as the recesses 33, so as substantially to meet the arcuately recessed portions 33 of the top of the stationary holder portion 25. The flanges 37 and recesses 33 thus cooperate to cover the faces of a core C mounted in the holder and to extend radially inwardly of the aperture thereof, so as to prevent abrading contact between the core and a wire drawn therethrough, while leaving the center of the core unobstructed for threading. The free ends of the arms 35 are formed with integral projections or bars 38 extending transversely of the portions 26, which thus are of T-shape in side elevation, as will be clear from FIGURE 10. The arms 35 are of a width to fit easily in the vertical grooves 30 of the holder portion 25. Both the stationary and removable portions 25 and 26 of the holders 24 are preferably formed of an insulating material, shown as of a suitable plastic.

A core C, made of any suitable material such as ferrite, for example, is mounted in a holder 24 by being disposed in the notch 31 and the bight portion 36 of the snap-on portion 26 of the holder, between the bight flanges 37, the arms 35 of the snap-on portion being then forced inwardly of the grooves 30 and the bars 38 forced downwardly under the shoulders 28 so as to engage in the grooves 29 for secure retention of the clip or snap-on portion 26 on the fixed portion 25. The core C is thus in effect clamped in upright position in the holder 24, with its central aperture unobstructed so as to allow threading or stringing of a wire therethrough, yet with its side faces shielded by the top of the stationary holder portion and the flanges 37, and with the radially inward projection of the arcuately recessed portions 33 and the bight flanges 37 effecting relative recessing of the inner or aperture-defining core face. Insulated wire, for example lacquer-insulated wire, may thus readily be pulled through the core without danger of breaking or rubbing off of the insulation by reason of contact with the core, the wire touching only the smooth and relatively soft material of the holder. The guide surfaces 32 facilitate passage of the wire through the core, regardless of whether the wire is passed in one direction or the other. A suitable needle or like implement may be used to draw the wire through the core.

The core holders 24 are mounted on the base 18 by clamping of the projections 27 of each against the lower surface of the base by means of securing members 40, as best shown in FIGURE 4. A plurality of the holders are disposed in a row in each of the slots 22 in juxtaposed relation, the number of holders and of the light-transmitting slots 23 being the same so that each holder is adjacent one of the slots 23. Six holders 24 are disposed in each of the slots 22 in the upper base plate 19, and eight in each of the slots in the lower plate 20, the previously-noted difference in the lengths of the slots 22 in the two plates being equal to the width of two holders. In the present instance, the longer and narrower plate 19 has six rows receiving six holders each, and the shorter and wider plate 20 has five rows each receiving eight holders. Of course, it will be obvious that any desired number of holders might be used in each row, and that the number of rows of holders might be varied as desired, depending upon the particular arrangement providing the greatest convenience and facility under given conditions. The members 40 are of hat section, with outwardly rebent flange portions 41 along the open side thereof.

The securing members 40 are disposed in parallel spaced relation to each other, each below one of the slots 22, with the lower ends of the holders 24 in the respective slot received within its channel portion and with the outturned flange portions 41 engaged against the lower surfaces of the holder projections 27. Screws 42 or the like secure each of the securing members to the base 18, drawing the members up against the projections 27 to clamp the holders securely in place. It Will be noted that the rebent flange portions 41 of the securing members 40 are held spaced from the lower face of the base 18 by the projections 27 of the several holders 24, and that the edges of adjacent flange portions 41 are in opposed slightly spaced relation, as best shown in FIGURE 4, the slots 23 being located over the spaces between the flange portions. The securing members 40 preferably project slightly beyond the unflanged or right-hand edge of the base plates 19 and 20, as shown in FIGURE 2.

At the ends of each row of slots 23, adjacent the ends of the corresponding rows of holders 24, metal posts 43 are fixed on the base 18 in any suitable manner, as by means of screws extending through the base and threaded into the lower ends of the posts. The upper ends of the posts may be reduced as at 44, for rotatably mounting pulley members (FIGURE 1) about which a wire W may be passed while being threaded through cores C held in holders 24. The pulleys 45 may readily be dispensed with, however, and the wire passed about the reduced -upper ends 44 of the posts 43, which are sufficiently smooth to allow the wire to be drawn thereabout without any great friction and without likelihood of damage to the insulation, and the pulley members 45 are accordingly omitted from the showing of FIGURE 2. The posts 43, whether employed alone or in combination with the pulley members, facilitate passing of the wire back and forth through a plurality of cores C in various paths to obtain the desired circuit assembly of the cores. It will be understood that the wire W is drawn off a reel or other source of supply, and drawn in desired order or sequence through the several cores C mounted in holders 24. Normally a single length of wire is passed through at least some of the cores a number of times, in one or both directions, and the posts 43, whether by means of the pulley members 45 or the reduced upper ends 44, provide for looping of the Wire as it passes back and forth between the ends of different rows of holders.

The wire may be drawn from the supply as it is threaded and pulled through the cores, or may be withdrawn from the supply and loosely coiled or otherwise held adjacent the cores, and drawn from this loosely held position as it is passed through the cores. The leading end of the wire is secured to a suitable member such as a terminal, and the end of the length of wire required for a particular threading operation severed from the wire in the supply source is also secured as to a terminal, so that suitable connections may ultimately be made to the terminals for completing the circuit through the core circuit assembly.

In the present case, a support plate 46 is provided having along one edge thereof a flange 47 which is bolted or otherwise secured to the flanges 21 along the left-hand sides of the base plates 19 and 20 as viewed in FIGURES 1 and 2. The support plate 46 has a number of pairs, in this case three pairs, of upstanding pins 48 fixed thereon, and an elongated aperture or slot 49 extending between each pair of pins. Each pair of pins and the associated slot are provided for temporarily retaining a terminal mounting block assembly on the plate. Each block mounting assembly comprises a mounting plate P having a pair of apertures A therein through which project the terminals T of a terminal block B mounted on the opposite or lower face of the plate P by means of screws or other suitable means. A pair of blocks B is mounted on each of the plates P, being accommodated by the slots 49 in the plate 46, each plate P extending over a slot 49 and having suitable apertures adjacent its ends which receive therethrough the pins 48 for holding the mounting assembly on the support plate 46. The plate P may be provided with mounting brackets M or the like for securement thereof in the equipment with which it is ultimately associated. Posts 50 are also mounted on the support plate 46, two being shown disposed in spaced relation along the length of each of the apertures or slots 49. The posts 50 are similar to the posts 43 in shape, but are formed by means of apin or rod secured at its lower end to the plate 46 and having. a sleeve of a suitable plastic surrounding its lower portion and frictionally engaged thereon. The terminals for the core circuit assemblies. are thus disposed conveniently adjacent the cores, so that the ends of the wires W threaded through the cores may easily be secured to the terminals, as by soldering, to complete the core circuit assembly without any loose ends. It will be evident that the length of wire employed for a particular core circuit may be drawn off the supply reel or the like and severed therefrom, with the severed end then soldered or otherwise attached to the appropriate terminal T, the other or leading end of the wire being secured to another terminal after completion of the threading operation through the cores. Alternatively, of course, the wire may be left integral with the supply source until after the threading has been completed, and then severed and the severed end soldered or otherwise attached to the desired terminal. The posts 50 guide and facilitate the connections of the wires to the terminals, the wires connected to the terminals of a particular block B being passed about the adjacent post 50, as will be evident from the drawings. As appears from FIGURES l and 3, the wires W may have their ends connected to intermediate or connecting lengths of larger wire instead of to the terminals T.

The core circuit forming operation is controlled by templet or masking means cooperable with the base 18 to indicate the number and locations of the cores to be threaded, and the path of the wire through the several cores, or in other words the sequence or order in which the wire passes through the various cores in its different runs, and also the cores selected for threading on any particular run of the wire. Such a templet or masking member generally indicated at 51 designed for use with the upper plate 19 is illustrated in FIGURE 5. This masking member may be formed of any suitable sheet material, paperboard being an inexpensive and effective material for the purpose, and comprises a generally rectangular sheet of the material of a length substantially corresponding to that of the plate 19 but of appreciably greater width. Portions of the sheet are cut away to provide indentations leaving six parallel projections or fingers 52 at the left side of the sheet, each of a length somewhat greater than the length of the slots 22. The finger 52 adjacent the upper end of the masking member has a width corresponding to the spacing between the flange 21 along the upper edge of plate 19 and the edges of the adjacent projections 27 of the first or uppermost row of core holders 24, while the other fingers 52 are of a width corresponding to the spacing between the projections 27 of adjacent rows of holders.

The masking member 51 is adapted for disposition with the fingers 52 inserted between the flange portions 41 of the holder clamping members 40 and the lower face of the base 18, as evident particularly from FIGURES l and 4, the five lower fingers each engaging between the flange portions 27 of two adjacent rows of holders 24, and the upper fingers 52 engaging between the upwardly directed projections 27 of the first row of holders and the flange 21 at the upper edge of the plate 19. The fingers 52 thus extend beneath the several rows of light slots 23 when the masking member 51 is disposed in its operative position engaged with the base as just described. Apertures 53 are provided in the fingers 52 of the templet or masking member 51, each aperture 53 being located so as to register with one of the slots 23 upon disposition of the masking member in operative position. Obviously, when the illumination means 17 is lit, the light therefrom will be visible through the apertures 53 and the slots 23 associated therewith, while it will be blocked from view through those slots 23 with which no aperture 53 registers, the unapertured portions of the fingers 52 which lie below such slots 23 serving to mask these slots. The light shining through the apertures 53 and the slots 23 with which they register indicates that the cores mounted in the holders 24 adjacent the unblocked or light-transmitting slots 23 are to be threaded, while cores in those holders opposite the blocked or masked slots 23 are not to have a wire passed therethrough. The templet or masking member 51 thus serves, in conjunction with the base, to indicate the cores C to be threaded in the particular circuit, in accordance with predetermined requirements of each core circuit.

In the present instance, the ends of the indentations in the sheet between the fingers 52 are engaged against the screws 42 securing the hat section members 40 to the base adjacent the right side of the plate 19, when the apertures 53 in the fingers are in registration with the corresponding slots 23. The screws 42 thus are employed as stop means to limit the movement of the masking member 51 to its operative position, to determine the proper operative position of the member 51 in which the apertures 53 register with the corresponding slots 23, It will be obvious that other means might be provided to assure the proper registration and determine the operative position of the templet or masking member.

It may be noted here that only the cores C to be threaded are shown as mounted in the corresponding holders, the remaining holders 24 being illustrated as open for receiving cores. The invention contemplates the mounting of cores C in all of the holders prior to the use of the masking members or templets 51 as hereinafter described, so that cores are available for threading in any pattern or order required by a core circuit assembly. It will be evident, however, that the cores may be mounted in the holders either before or after the illumination indication of the number and location of cores to be threaded. It will further be apparent, moreover, that only the cores to be threaded, as indicated by the illuminated apertures or slots 23, need be mounted in the respective holders for threading, and that these cores may under appropriate conditions be mounted in the holders after the illuminative indication has been provided as described hereinabove, and in accordance therewith.

After the cores C have been secured in the several holders 24 as explained above, the threading of a wire W through the cores can begin, but the operator requires an indication of the path the wire is to follow through the cores, in accordance with the predetermined circuit arrangement of the cores, so that the proper core circuit assembly will result from the particular threading operation. Such indication or guidance is provided in part by the illumination of certain of the slots 23 by masking member 51, as explained hereinabove. Additional indication of the particular wire path is provided by an indicia portion 54 of the member 51 to the right of the fingercarrying portion, as viewed in FIGURES l and 5. The indicia portion 54 carries written or printed verbal indicia or instructions 55, and diagrammatic or graphic instructions or indicia 56 which explain the course to be followed by the wire, To assist in applying the graphic or diagrammatic indications of the wire path, the several core holders may be identified by indicia 57, such as numerals applied to the base adjacent the holders, or adjacent the slots 23 corresponding to the respective holders. Such identifying or reference indicia 57 of the core holders may be employed in the graphic indicia 56 for improved clarity and greater ease in following the circuit.

As will be evident from FIGURES .2 and 5, two core circuit assemblies are formed on the base plate 19 in the illustrated example, each employing three rows of holders. The indicia portion 54 of the masking member 51 is accordingly divided into two portions, one relating to the circuit provided by use of the first three rows of holders, and the other to the core circuit assembly obtained on the three lower rows of holders, Additional indicia or instructions may be provided on the masking member 51 for further clarification and assistance in carrying out the threading operation, as shown at 58 and 59, such additional information being located adjacent the closed ends of the indentations between the fingers 52, so as to be visible in operative position of the masking member 51 through apertures 60 formed adjacent the right edge of the plate 19 in alignment with the several rows of holders. It will be obvious that any desired number of rows of holders, and any number of holders in each row, may be employed for a particular core circuit assembly threading operation within the limits of the particular apparatus, and in accordance with the requirements of a particular core circuit assembly.

In use, a number of templets 51 are provided sufficient to give the instructions or information required for complete threading of the core circuit assembly or assemblies on the upper portion of the base, each templet representing one step or subdivision of the operation. The templets or masking members of a group or set are preferably arranged in their order of use, as in a stack. The uppermost templet 51 is inserted in the apparatus as already explained, to indicate by illumination of certain of the apertures 23 which of the cores mounted in the holders 24 are to be threaded, and by the indicia carried thereby the pattern, order, or sequence of the core threading. After the cores have been threaded as indicated by the first templet, it is removed and the next one inserted, providing indication of another pattern of cores to be threaded, and so on. After the last templet of the stack or set is employed and core threading in accordance therewith completed, the threaded core assembly or assemblies resulting from following the instructions or indications of the several templets is or are removed from the holders on the base. As apparent from FIGURES 1 and 3, the respective blocks B are kept in place until all of the core circuit assemblies connected to the terminals thereof are completed. Upon removal of the core assembly or assemblies from the holders, the removed cores C are replaced by new -cores, and another threading operation may then begin.

In FIGURE 6 there is shown a templet or masking member 61 generally similar to the member 51, with fingers 62 similar to although longer than the fingers 52, but provided for cooperation with the lower base plate 20. Only three of the fingers 62 are shown as provided on the masking member 61, since only three rows of core holders are to be used on the plate 20. Of course, any desired number of holder rows may be employed, and the templet formed with a corresponding number of fingers. The templet 61 is employed in the same way as the templet 51, the fingers 62 being slid between the plate 20 and the flange portions 41 of the holder-securing members 40 to obstruct the light apertures or slots 23. The fingers 62 are provided with apertures 53 for registration with the slots 23 as predetermined in developing the core circuit assembly, as in the case of the member 51. The masking member or templet 61 otherwise is also substantially the same as the member 51, having an information or indicia portion 54 carrying instructional, informational, or explanatory matter which may include both verbal and diagrammatic or graphic material, as at 55 and 56. The additional indicia means 58 and 59 may also be provided on the masking member 61, located so as to be visible through the base apertures 60 when the member is in operative position. The operative position of the masking member or templet 61 is determined by stop means in the same manner as explained in connection with the templet 51, it being apparent that the only noticeable ditference between the members 51 and 61 resides in the greater length of the fingers 62 as compared to the fingers 52, to correspond to the greater length of the slots 22 and greater number of holders 24 and light slots 23 in each row.

The templets 61 are employed in a manner similar to that of the templets 51, although with certain specific differences. It will be seen from FIGURE 1 that the instructional material on the indicia portion 54 of a templet 61 includes a table showing in five different lines L1 to L5 the Start and End connections, identified by code designations, of particular wires. Cores C are threaded according to the first templet 61, with a wire connected at its ends as indicated by the first line L1 of the table. The first templet is then removed and the next inserted, and the cores threaded as indicated thereby, with the wire end connections made in accordance with the designations in the first line L1 of the second templet, after which the templet is removed and the third one inserted. This continues until all the templets 61 of a set or stack have been used, with the ends of the core-threading wires connected as directed by the respective first lines L1 of the tables. The resulting core assembly is then removed from the holders and the removed cores replaced. The same stack of templets 61 is used to guide the threading of another core circuit assembly, the templets being used in order and the wires being strung through the cores as before, but with the connections of the ends thereof made in correspondence with the designations in the respective second lines L2 of the masking members or templets. The process is repeated with the same templets, but using the end connection designations in the third lines L3 of the respective masking members or templets, and so on until the set or stack of templets has been employed the number of times required by the different Start and End connections of the tables, five in this case. The core circuit assembly is thus completed, and removed from the holders. In FIGURE 6, the templet 61 is shown with a four-line table for the threading of wires designated as wires 9,

10, 11, and 12, this templet being one of a set or group employed in the same manner as described above.

It will be apparent that cores C are mounted in the holders 24, and then threaded in accordance with the indications provided by the apertures 53 registering with selected light slots 23, and the directions or explanations on the indicia portions of the masking members, as explained hereinabove. As the core circuit assemblies are completed, they may be slipped off the posts 43, whether the pulley members 45 are employed or not, after the cores are released from the holders 24 by removing the respective snap-on portions 26, and swung about the end connections of the wires W to a position clear of the apparatus, as best illustrated in FIGURES l and 3. In the latter figure, a representative circuit assembly is shown. When all of the circuits to be associated with the group of terminal blocks B mounted on the plate 46 have been completed, the blocks and circuit assemblies connected thereto are removed for mounting as in a suitable casing or housing containing potting compound. Another group of terminal blocks may then be disposed on the mounting plate 56, and another series of core circuits assembled therewith.

In FIGURES 11 and 12, there is shown another form of apparatus for the threading of cores or other annular members. In this embodiment of the apparatus, a support 65 generally similar to the support 15 previously illustrated and described is provided, having an inclined front over which extends a base plate 66 secured on the support in any suitable manner. The front of the support is substantially square, and the plate 66 is correspondingly shaped. The base plate is formed with a relatively large aperture 67 through which light may pass from illuminating means 68 disposed within the support below the plate 66. The aperture 67 may be of any appropriate shape, being shown in this instance as circular, the illuminating means conveniently taking the form of a fluorescent tube of generally circular shape, although of course any suitable illuminating means may be used. Projecting from the support centrally through the plate aperture 67 is a centering pin 69, and similarly projecting from the sup port in spaced relation to the centering pin is a locating or indexing pin 70.

Mounted on the plate 66 along the edge of the aperture 67 are core holders generally designated 71 which are essentially the same as the holders 24, differing only in that they are formed without the lower ends of the sta: tionary portions 25 on which the projections 27 are provided. Instead, each of the holders 7'1 has a stationary portion 72 substantially identical to the stationary portion 25 of a holder 24 above the projections 27, as best shown in FIGURE 12. In the bottom of this stationary portion 72 is provided a threaded recess receiving a screw 73 or the like projecting through a suitable hole in the plate 66 from therebeneath to secure the fixed or stationary holder portion 72 in mounted position on the plate. The holder 71 also includes the clip or snap-on portion 26 previously disclosed, detachably engageable on the fixed portion 72 by seating of its cross bars 38 in the grooves 29 of the shoulders 28, as already described, to secure a core C in place in threadable condition. For convenience, certain of the holders 71 are shown only diagrammatically in FIGURE 11, specifically the holders not supporting threaded cores.

Spaced about the aperture 67 radially outwardly of the core holders 71 are a number of pins 74 fixed on the base plate 66, and corresponding generally to the posts 43 of the apparatus of FIGURES 1 to '10 inclusive. A terminal block mounting plate 75 is secured on the base plate 66 at one side or edge thereof. The mounting plate 7'5 is substantially identical to the mounting plate 46 previously disclosed, save that it does not have a mounting or securing flange like the flange 47, and instead has a marginal portion overlying the plate 66 and secured thereto by any suitable means, such as the screws 76 shown. The mounting plate 75 is located adjacent two of the pins 74, adjacent which pins there is a gap in the circle of the holders 71 around the aperture 67. The plate 75 carries terminal blocks B with terminals T to which ends of wires W threaded through cores C are soldered or otherwise secured. The pins 48 for holding the support plates P, and the posts 50 for guiding the wires, are also employed as already described.

The number and location of holders 71 mounting cores C selected for stringing, and the order or sequence in which the cores are threaded or strung on the wires W, are indicated by means of a templet or masking means 77' of such size and shape as to cover the aperture 67 and extend substantially to the radially inner surfaces of the core holders 71, its outer edge being engageable on the portion of the base plate 66 extending inwardly of the holders, as clearly shown in FIGURE 12. The masking member 77 has a central aperture 78 receiving the pin 69 so as to center the masking member, and also has a hole 7 9 receiving the indexing pin 70 to index or locate the circular masking member in the desired relation to the encircling holders 71. Adjacent the outer edge of the masking member 77 and spaced radially inwardly a sufficient distance to be clear of the circular edge of the base plate 66 defining the aperture 67 is a plurality of apertures 86 so circumferentially located and spaced as to lie each directly radially inwardly of one of the core holders 71. When the masking member 77 is disposed over the base plate aperture 67 in position centered and indexed by the pins 69 and 70, light shining through the apertures 80 from the illuminating means 68 provides an indication of the holders supporting the cores C which are to be threaded, or in other words indicates the selected cores, substantially as in the apparatus of FIGURE 1. FIGURE 11 shows a completed core circuit loop or assembly about to be removed, with a templet 77 for the next core circuit threading operation already in place on the base.

A wire W may be threaded through the indicated cores in the manner or order indicated by the unblocked or illuminated apertures 80 and by explanatory graphic and diagrammatic indicia 55 and 56 carried on the upper face of the member 77. The ends of the wire are soldered or otherwise attached to the desired terminals T of terminal blocks B secured in the support plates P disposed on the mounting plate 75. The pins 74 serve as means about which the wire W may be passed when it is to pass around or outside of a number of cores C and not through them, substantially in the manner of the posts 43 of the apparatus of FIGURES l to 10. Numerals or other identifying indicia 57 are applied to the base plate 66 adjacent the core holders 71, substantially as in the first-described form of the apparatus, and corresponding indicia 81 may be applied to the masking member 77 adjacent the lighttransmitting apertures 80, in accordance with the designation of the core holder adjacent which the particular aperture is located.

It will be apparent that the apparatu of FIGURES 11 and 12 lends itself to the production of core circuit assemblies in which the wires extend in a generally large loop form, rather than the reticulated form or patter characteristic of the circuit assemblies formed on the apparatus of FIGURES 1 to 10. This allows each wire to be of approximately the same length as all the other wires, and thus provides for the maintenance of the proper" substantially uniform resistance value of all the leads. The apparatus of FIGURES 11 and 12 may be employed to form all of the circuits connected to a particular group of terminal blocks B, if desired, successive wires W being threaded through the respective cores in accordance with the indications of a series of masking members 77 successively applied to the support 65.

The modified apparatus of which only a portion is illustrated in FIGURES l3 and 14 is generally similar to that shown in FIGURES 1 and 2. In this case, however, the base overlying the illuminating means comprises a plate 91 differing from the base plates 19 and 20 primarily in eliminating the lighttransmitting slots 23, the plate 91 being substantially imperforate except for apertures 22 provided for mounting of the holders as in the plates 19 and 20. A binding plate 92 spaced below the base plate 91 has an aperture 93 therein disposed in registering relation to the base plate aperture 22, and generally corresponding thereto in dimensions and shape. The core holders, generally designated 94, are generally similar in form to the holder 24 illustrated in FIGURES 7 to 10, having the beads, flanges, or projections 27 on opposite sides thereof, and differing from the holder 24 in having a shorter body, the holder extending below the lower faces of the projections 27 by a distance not greater than the thickness of the binding plate 92. The holders 94 are secured in place by clamping of the projections 27 between the base plate 91 and the binding plate 92, as will be clear from FIGURE 13, bolts or screws 95 suitably interengaged with the plates being employed to draw the plates relatively toward each other to bind or clamp the flanges therebetween. Each of the holders 94, shown without the clip or snap-on portion, has its lower portion engaged in the slot or aperture 93, with the body portion thereof above the projections 27 extending upwardly through the aperture 22 in the base plate 91. It will be evident that the lower surface or bottom of each holder is exposed to illumination from the light means 17 through the aperture 93.

A templet or masking member 96 generally similar to the masking members 51 and 61 previously described, but which may also resemble the masking member 77 in not requiring a configuration providing the fingers 52, or in other words in being formed without slots or indentations extending inwardly from the periphery thereof, is provided to underlie the binding plate 92. A small locating notch or notches or the like may be provided at an appropriate point in the edge of the templet. The masking member 96 is provided with the light-transmitting apertures 53 therein, as in the case of the masking members 51 and 61, the apertures 53 in this case, however, being located to underlie the bottom surfaces of the holders selected to mount cores, and of size and shape to come Within the edges of the bottom surfaces. The templet or masking member 96 is held in close contact with the lower face of the plate 92, combined supporting and guiding members 97 of any suitable type being provided to support the templet or masking member in such relation. The members 97 may be mounted in any appropriate manner, as on the support or the plate 91. It will be evident that the location of an aperture 53 of the templet 96 below a particular holder 94 will allow light from the lighting means to strike the bottom of the holder, while the holders under which no aperture 53 of the masking member is located will be masked or shielded from the light.

Each holder 94 is formed of a suitable light-transmitting material, such as one of several different plastic materials. The stationary portion of each holder 94 has its sides coated with black or other dark-colored paint or the like as indicated at 98, or otherwise covered with opaque material. In the present instance, this coating or covering extends from the bottom of the body to substantially the level of the lower portion of the recesses which provide the downwardly facing shoulders 28 previously described, but the exact height to which the coating eX- tends may be varied. The top and bottom surfaces of the stationary portion of the holder may be given a smoothly polished finish to facilitate passage of light into and out of the holder. As will be evident from FIGURES l3 and 14, the top of the holder may be illuminated by light entering the stationary portion from the illuminating means through the masking member aperture 53 and binding plate aperture 93, the light being conducted through the material of the holder to be radiated from the top thereof. The opaque coating or covering on the sides of the holder stationary portion prevents radiation of the light from the sides. Such illumination of the holders themselves is employed to indicate the holders which are to mount the cores C or similar annular members, instead of illumination of apertures in the base adjacent the holders, such as the apertures 23 in the base plates 19 and 20 previously described. Under some conditicns, it may be sufficient to coat or cover only those sides of the stationary portions of the holders which engage or extend alongside adjacent holders, so as to prevent transmission of light from an illuminated holder to an adjacent holder which is not intended to be illuminated, that is, holders not directly illuminated by the lighting means.

It is obvious that instead of employing the apertured binding plate 92, separate plates or strips might be employed to engage under the flanges 27 of the holders 94 and be drawn into clamping relationship therewith, the slot or aperture 93 in the plate 92 in such case being replaced by the spacing between the edges of the clamping strips or plates.

It will be apparent that a more compact arrangement of the holders 94 on the base is made possible with the illuminated holder arrangement just described than can be achieved in the apparatus of FIGURES 1 and 2, by reason of the elimination of separate light apertures 23. This in turn allows a reduction in the size of the base, and thus of the entire apparatus, or in the alternative allows the mounting of a larger number of holders on the base, as may be more advantageous. The threading of wires through the cores is accomplished in the same manner as with the other forms of apparatus, suitable indicia or information means being employed as already described.

While we have illustrated and described what we regard to be the preferred embodiments of our invention, nevertheless it will be understood that these are merely exemplary and that numerous modifications and rearrangements may be made therein without departing from the essence of the invention.

We claim:

1. Apparatus for the threading of wires through annular cores or the like, comprising a base, light means behind said base, at least one aperture in the base, a plurality 'of core holders of light-transmitting material mounted in each aperture with the bottom portions thereof disposed for receiving light from said light means, material covering at least the lower portions of the sides of the holder preventing transmission of light therefrom, said holders being adapted for removably mounting annular cores in threadable position in a common plane, a plurality of mask members selectively disposable between the light means and the bottom portions of the holders in close engagement with the bottom surfaces of said portions to block passage of light to the holders, each of said mask members having openings therein located to underlie certain of the holders to allow illumination thereof for indication that cores held by said certain holders are to be threaded, and means visible adjacent the base upon said blocking disposition of a mask member carrying visual information as to threading of the cores.

2. Apparatus for the threading of wires through annular cores or the like, comprising a base, light means behind said base, an aperture in the base, a plurality of core holders of light-transmitting material, means securing each of said holders on the base with a portion thereof exposed through said aperture for reception of light thereto from said light means for illumination of the holder, said holders being adapted for removably mounting annular cores in threadable position in a common plane, and a masking member disposable between the light means and base for blocking passage of light to said holder portions and having openings therein located to allow illumination of certain of said holders for indicating that cores held by said certain holders are to be threaded.

3. Apparatus for the threading of wires through annular cores or like members, comprising a base, light means disposed behind said base, aperture means allowing light from said light means to pass through the base, a plurality of core holders mounted on the base adjacent said light-passing means adapted for removably mounting annular cores in threadable position in a common plane, a mask having openings therein and disposable in overlying relation to the light means to block said aperture means except at said openings, the openings in the mask being located adjacent certain of the holders to allow illumination from said light means for said certain holders to indicate that cores held thereby are to be threaded.

4. Apparatus for the threading of wires through annular cores or like members, comprising a base, light means disposed behind said base, a plurality of core holders mounted on the base adapted for removably mounting annular cores in threadable position in a common plane, aperture means in the base allowing light from said light means to pass through the base, a masking member having openings therein and disposable in overlying relation to the light means to block said aperture means except at said openings, the openings in the masking member being located to allow illumination from said light means for certain of the holders to indicate that cores held by said certain holders are to be threaded, and means visible upon said blocking disposition of said masking member carrying information regarding the threading of the cores.

5. Apparatus for the threading of wires through annular cores or like members, comprising a base, light means disposed behind said base, a plurality of core holders mounted on the base adapted for removably mounting annular cores in threadable position in a common plane, a plurality of apertures in the base allowing light from said light means to pass through the base, a plurality of masking means each having openings therein and successively disposable in overlying relation to the light means to block said apertures except at said openings, the openings in each masking means being located to allow illumination from said light means for certain of the holders to aiford first indicia that cores held by said certain holders are to be threaded, and said masking means carrying information thereon visible independently of said light means to afford second indicia regarding the threading of the cores.

6. Apparatus for the threading of wires through annular cores or like members, comprising a base having a circular aperture therein, light means for providing illumination through the circular aperture, a plurality of core holders mounted on the base in circular arrangement about the aperture adapted for removably mounting annular cores in threadable position in a common plane, a plurality of masking means successively disposable on the base in blocking relation to the circular aperture and having openings therein located to lie inwardly of the aperture edge in said masking means blocking position to allow illumination from said light-means for certain of said holders to afford first indicia that cores held by said certain holders are to be threaded, and said masking means carrying information thereon visible independently of said light means to afford second indicia regarding the threading of the cores.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,805,471 9/1957 Lowden 29-155.54 2,906,016 9/1959 Cannon et al. 29-407 2,959,848 11/1960 Savitt 29155.54

FOREIGN PATENTS 800,468 8/1958 Great Britain.

JOHN F. CAMPBELL, Primary Examiner. THOMAS H. EAGER, W. A. WILTZ, Examiners. J. W. BOCK, Assistant Examiner. 

1. APPARATUS FOR THE THREADING OF WIRES THROUGH ANNULAR CORES OR THE LIKE, COMPRISING A BASE, LIGHT MEANS BEHIND SAID BASE, AT LEAST ONE APERTURE IN THE BASE, LIGHT MEANS RALITY OF CORE HOLDERS OF LIGHT-TRANSMITTING MATERIAL MOUNTED IN EACH APERTURE WITH THE BOTTOM PORTIONS THEREOF DISPOSED FOR RECEIVING LIGHT FROM SAID LIGHT MEANS, MATERIAL COVERING AT LEAST THE LOWER PORTIONS OF THE SIDES OF THE HOLDER PREVENTING TRANSMISSION OF LIGHT THEREFROM, SAID HOLDERS BEING ADAPTED FOR REMOVABLY MOUNTING ANNULAR CORES IN THREADABLE POSITION IN A COMMON PLANE, A PLURALITY OF MASK MEMBERS SELECTIVELY DISPOSABLE BETWEEN THE LIGHT MEANS AND THE BOTTOM PORTIONS OF THE HOLDERS IN CLOSE ENGAGEMENT WITH THE BOTTOM SURFACES OF SAID PORTIONS TO BLOCK PASSAGE OF LIGHT TO THE HOLDERS, EACH OF SAID MASK MEMBERS HAVING OPENINGS THEREIN LOCATED TO 